Tamil Nadu Government to Offer Priority Jobs to Top Jallikattu Bull Tamers
Chief Minister M K Stalin made a significant announcement during the Alanganallur jallikattu event in Madurai district on Saturday. The state government will provide priority jobs in the animal husbandry department to the best bull tamers from jallikattu competitions.
New Training Center and Awards for Participants
Stalin also revealed plans to establish a state-of-the-art training and treatment centre for bulls in Alanganallur. This facility will come at a cost of Rs 2 crore. The Chief Minister arrived at the venue around 11:30 AM, several hours after the event commenced earlier in the day.
District Collector K J Praveen Kumar led an oath-taking ceremony before Commercial Taxes Minister P Moorthy officially flagged off the jallikattu. The event saw massive participation with nearly 1,000 bulls and 491 bull tamers taking part in the traditional sport.
Injuries and Medical Attention
As with many jallikattu events, there were injuries reported during the competition. A total of 63 people sustained injuries, including bull tamers, bull owners, police personnel, and spectators. Medical teams provided immediate attention, and 23 individuals required further treatment at Government Rajaji Hospital.
Recognition for Bull Owners and Tamers
Chief Minister Stalin watched the renowned bull-taming event and personally felicitated seven bull owners and tamers. Among those honored was one woman participant who received gold coins and rings along with the other awardees.
Speaking at the event, Stalin praised Madurai as a land where bravery flourishes. "It is a proud moment for Tamil soil to see bull tamers taming the bulls at Alanganallur jallikattu. When we watch jallikattu, we all feel a sense of bravery," he stated. The Chief Minister highlighted that the government built the Kalaingar Centenary Jallikattu Arena at Alanganallur specifically to support this heroic sport.
Winners Receive Substantial Prizes
The competition produced clear winners with impressive performances:
- Karthi of Karuppayurani tamed 19 bulls to secure first place as the best tamer. He received a car sponsored by the Chief Minister.
- Abi Sithar of Poovanthi took second place by taming 17 bulls and won a two-wheeler.
- Sridhar secured third place and received an e-bike for his performance.
Karthi expressed gratitude to Stalin for the government job announcement, recognizing it as a major opportunity for jallikattu participants.
Recognition for Bull Performance
The event also honored the best-performing bulls:
- A V M Babu of Pudukottai won a tractor and a cow with calf of native breed for owning the best-performing bull.
- Tamil Selvan of Pudukottai secured second place for his bull and received a two-wheeler.
- Kennedy took third place and won an e-bike.
Political Presence at the Event
The jallikattu attracted significant political attention with several dignitaries in attendance:
- Ministers K N Nehru, K K S S R Ramachandran, Thangam Thennarasu, R S Rajakannappan, and P T R Palanivel Thiaga Rajan
- MLAs K Thalapathy, A Venkatesan, and Boominathan
- MPs Thanga Tamil Selvan and Su Venkatesan
The Alanganallur jallikattu continues to be a major cultural event in Tamil Nadu, combining traditional sport with modern recognition and government support for participants.
